A pleasant day to all!
I extend my profound gratitude to all the organisers, presenters, and participants of the Ugnay Palay: The 35th National Rice R4D Conference, which banners the theme, “Better Rice Communities.”
Indeed, your presence here today manifests our shared commitment to innovate solutions that advance the rice industry and improve the lives of those in rice-growing communities.
I am optimistic that all concerned government agencies, partners, and stakeholders will continue to explore ways to enhance existing agricultural technologies to improve and strengthen the rice industry, in line with our goal of a food-secure nation.
Moving forward, I enjoin all of you to continue working together to ensure that the benefits of our initiatives will reach every farmer in our country.
As we do this, let us be guided by the science-based strategies presented in the Strategic Plan 2023-2028 of the Philippine Rice Research Institute, which highlights the need to educate farmers on modern technologies suitable for integration into their everyday work.
Rest assured that the government shall continue to give primacy to research and development to ensure a sustainable rice value chain.
We will also continue to support the initiatives undertaken by the PhilRice in introducing modern agricultural biotechnology to improve rice production.
While rice is the country’s staple food, other equally important sectors such as livestock, poultry, fisheries and high value crops shall also continue to receive adequate attention and support from the government to maintain the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food for our consumers.
Also, in collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies, we will continue to give priority to combating illegal activities that involve our agricultural produce.
Despite the daunting task of ensuring a strong agricultural sector, it is my hope that you will continue to lend your unwavering support and invaluable expertise towards achieving our shared goals.
May you also continue to present feasible plans and ideas that will contribute to our country’s food security in the years to come.
So, let us continue to unite and work together towards building a more productive and progressive Bagong Pilipinas.
Thank you and I wish everyone a productive and eventful gathering.
— END —
